Good-Bye to All That

Good-Bye to All That by Robert Graves is a candid and unflinching memoir that charts the tumultuous course of the author’s early life, his harrowing experiences in the First World War, and his ultimate departure from England and its traditions. Written at just 34, Graves reflects on the seismic shifts of his era: the collapse of old societal orders, the disillusionment with patriotism, and the rise of new ideologies like feminism, socialism, and pacifism. Through sharp wit and unsentimental prose, Graves paints vivid scenes of his upbringing, his time as a British officer in the trenches, and his early attempts at building a post-war life. Interwoven with biting humor and moments of poetic introspection, this work captures the profound changes in personal and cultural identity that the Great War unleashed. Lauded for its brutal honesty and literary flair, Good-Bye to All That became an instant classic, earning Graves both fame and financial security. Revised in 1957, the autobiography showcases Graves’s evolving perspective and mastery of style, making it not only a personal testament but also a chronicle of a generation lost and transformed by war.